Welcome to our interview series, where we chat with the passionate people behind the Collabora Online code. Collabora Online is made possible by the worldwide team, community, contributors and partners. Today, we’re sitting down with Darshan Upadhyay, a talented developer who has found his calling in the world of Open Source.
About Darshan
Darshan joined Collabora Online in May 2023 as Software Engineer. His journey into tech started in Western India, sparked by a session at Google Summer of Code 2018 by Pranam Lashkari. The session about the true meaning of Open Source inspired his career trajectory, and he hasn’t looked back since. A fan of challenging himself and a proud member of the Open Source community, Darshan’s story is one of curiosity, learning, and building connection.
What inspired you to get into Open Source?
My journey began in college. I was completely new to the idea of open source until a Senior Software Developer from Collabora, Pranam Lashkari, held a session explaining it. His enthusiasm completely transformed my perspective on the IT world and set me on my path.
What was your first experience with tech?
My first real dive was in college when I installed Mint OS on my computer. That was a big challenge for me at the time. I also have a funny story about custom Android ROMs. I was fascinated by the idea of replacing my phone’s default OS and tried to flash a custom one. I ended up corrupting all the data on my phone! It was a massive predicament, but the challenge of restoring everything was a valuable learning experience.
What does working with Open Source mean to you?
To me, working with Open Source is like a friendly potluck dinner. Everyone brings their own unique dish—their code, ideas, or even good vibes—and suddenly, you have this incredible feast that’s way better than anything one person could cook up alone. The best part is the community. If you’re stuck, someone has likely figured it out and is happy to help. You connect with smart, passionate people from all over the globe, all trying to make cool stuff happen.
What’s the one Collabora Online feature you’re most excited about right now?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’m really pumped about the overall UI overhaul coming in our next releases. The improved sidebar search and the smarter Notebookbar adjustments for different zoom levels are going to be fantastic. I can’t wait for users to experience all the new features.
How did you first hear about Collabora Online?
It was through Pranam, actually. He ran that awesome session about Open Source during my college days, and that’s when he brought up Collabora Online. His enthusiasm really got me interested in what they were doing.
What’s the best part of working at Collabora or contributing to the community?
It’s definitely the sheer impact and reach of what we do. We’re directly improving tools that millions of people worldwide rely on every day. There’s a real sense of purpose knowing your work makes such a tangible difference. Plus, the community is incredibly welcoming and always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Open Source.
What’s one productivity tip you swear by?
For coding, I go for an “eat the frog” mentality. I tackle the trickiest problem first, but I’m big on breaking it down into tiny, manageable pieces. That way, it feels less overwhelming, and before you know it, you’ve knocked out the toughest part of your day!
What’s your ‘day in the life’ really like?
I’m a bit of a late riser, but once I’m up, a good shower and some quiet time for prayer help me hit reset. Then, it’s straight to the kitchen for my first cup of coffee. While I’m enjoying that, I check emails and, more importantly, dive into GitHub and check the Collabora Online community forums. After that, I plug in my music headphones, say “good morning” to my tasks, and just dive into the coding.
What do you think will be the biggest development challenges over the next few years?
The biggest challenge will be seamlessly integrating new AI tools and features into our product. We have a robust product, but the real challenge will be keeping it cutting-edge as AI evolves so rapidly. The key is to add these amazing new capabilities without compromising the core functionality and stability that our users rely on. Maintaining that perfect balance will be the real hurdle.
How has remote working changed your life?
Remote work has had a really positive impact, especially socially. I’ve always been a bit shy in person, but my confidence skyrockets in online chats. It’s been liberating. It also gives me incredible freedom to connect with people all over the world with diverse mindsets and ideas. I do miss the in-person connection, but the benefits definitely outweigh the downsides.
Outside of work, what’s a hobby or interest that you’re passionate about?
When I’m not immersed in code, you’ll find me on a cricket or volleyball field. Those are my go-to sports for unwinding. Singing is also a huge passion of mine. I’m a decent singer, but don’t ask for English songs—my heart belongs to my folk and regional tunes!
Darshan’s journey from a curious college student to a core contributor, is a fantastic example of how far passion can take you in the tech world. His love for the Open Source community shines through, and we can’t wait to see the next big things he helps build.
